More Americans want a third political party

By John-Henry Perera

on October 15, 2013 8:28 AM

Photo: AP

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A new Gallup poll shows 60 percent of Americans think the Democratic and Republican parties have done a poor job of representing the people during the government shutdown. Now, they think a third major party is needed. If you’re sick of the Republicans and Democrats we've compiled a list of alternative political parties, big and small.

A new Gallup poll shows 60 percent of Americans think the Democratic and Republican parties have done a poor job of representing the people during the government shutdown. Now, they think a third major party is ... more

The Libertarian Party, founded in 1971, is centered around the political philosophy of libertarianism. Their tagline is "minimum government, maximum freedom." Although a former GOP congressman, Ron Paul considers himself a lifetime member of the party and was nominated in 1988 as their presidential candidate.

The Libertarian Party, founded in 1971, is centered around the political philosophy of libertarianism. Their tagline is "minimum government, maximum freedom." Although a former GOP congressman, Ron Paul

The Libertarian Party, founded in 1971, is centered around the... Photo-4546361.72131 - seattlepi.com

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Constitution Party

The Constitution Party, founded in 1992 as the U.S. Taxpayers Party, is exactly what it sounds like: a party built around upholding the U.S. Constitution. In 2012, the party nominated Virgil Goode Jr. as their presidential candidate.

The Constitution Party, founded in 1992 as the U.S. Taxpayers Party, is exactly what it sounds like: a party built around upholding the U.S. Constitution. In 2012, the party nominated Virgil Goode Jr. as their

The Constitution Party, founded in 1992 as the U.S. Taxpayers... Photo-3686291.72131 - seattlepi.com

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America's Party, originally founded in 2008 as America's Independent Party, is a conservative political party that is calling for the repeal of the sixteenth and seventeenth amendments in the U.S. Constitution in favor of a more visible and efficient tax. Party chair Tom Hoefling was the party's 2012 candidate for the presidential elections.

America's Party, originally founded in 2008 as America's Independent Party, is a conservative political party that is calling for the repeal of the sixteenth and seventeenth amendments in the U.S. Constitution

America's Party, originally founded in 2008 as America's... Photo-5324636.72131 - seattlepi.com

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Modern Whig Party

The Modern Whig Party was founded in 2009, largely by military veterans. The party considers themselves to be centrist-oriented and promotes several ideas, including fiscal responsibility, energy independence and electoral and government reform. The original Whig party was a major force in the 19th century and included President William Henry Harrison, pictured above.

The Modern Whig Party was founded in 2009, largely by military veterans. The party considers themselves to be centrist-oriented and promotes several ideas, including fiscal responsibility, energy independence ... more

Photo: Express-News

The Modern Whig Party was founded in 2009, largely by military... Photo-587673.72131 - seattlepi.com

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Justice Party USA, founded in 2011, is all about providing "justice" to a variety of different sectors, including the economy, healthcare and environment, and limiting the power of corporations on the political process. Former Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson was the party's candidate for the 2012 presidential elections.

Justice Party USA, founded in 2011, is all about providing "justice" to a variety of different sectors, including the economy, healthcare and environment, and limiting the power of corporations on the political

Justice Party USA, founded in 2011, is all about providing... Photo-5324624.72131 - seattlepi.com

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United States Marijuana Party

The United States Marijuana Party was founded in 2002 with the explicit purpose of ending the "War on Drugs" and legalizing cannabis. Reaching across party lines, the party nominated Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson for president in the 2012 presidential election.

The United States Marijuana Party was founded in 2002 with the explicit purpose of ending the "War on Drugs" and legalizing cannabis. Reaching across party lines, the party nominated Libertarian candidate Gary ... more

Photo: David McFadden, Associated Press

The United States Marijuana Party was founded in 2002 with the... Photo-5235188.72131 - seattlepi.com

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Socialist Party USA, founded in 1973, is a vocal proponent for democratic socialism. The group promotes several ideas, including non-profit production, full employment and ecological harmony. The party nominated Stewart Alexander as their 2012 presidential candidate.

Socialist Party USA, founded in 1973, is a vocal proponent for democratic socialism. The group promotes several ideas, including non-profit production, full employment and ecological harmony. The party

Socialist Party USA, founded in 1973, is a vocal proponent for... Photo-5324644.72131 - seattlepi.com

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Party for Socialism and Liberation

The Party for Socialism and Liberation was founded in 2004 and promotes the ideas of Karl Marx and Vladmir Lenin. The party nominated Peta Lindsay as their candidate for the 2012 presidential election.

The Party for Socialism and Liberation was founded in 2004 and promotes the ideas of Karl Marx and Vladmir Lenin. The party nominated Peta Lindsay as their candidate for the 2012 presidential election.

The Pirate Party was founded in 2006 and espouses the reformation... Photo-5324242.72131 - seattlepi.com

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Reform Party of the United States

The Reform Party of the United States was founded in 1995 by Texas' own Ross Perot. The party claims to be for middle-of-the-road Americans and its platform puts a big emphasis on fiscal responsibility and promoting jobs in the USA.

The Reform Party of the United States was founded in 1995 by Texas' own Ross Perot. The party claims to be for middle-of-the-road Americans and its platform puts a big emphasis on fiscal responsibility and ... more

Photo: AP

The Reform Party of the United States was founded in 1995 by... Photo-4215261.72131 - seattlepi.com

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Unity Party of America

The Unity Party was founded in 2004 and are big proponents of passing a balanced budget amendment and eliminating the federal income tax.

The Unity Party was founded in 2004 and are big proponents of... Photo-5324292.72131 - seattlepi.com

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Progressive Bull Moose Party

A continuation of the 1912 political party formed by former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, the Progressive Bull Moose Party has a detailed action plan, including a 100-page limit on bills, repealing corporate personhood, and phasing out the Bush tax cuts.

A continuation of the 1912 political party formed by former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, the Progressive Bull Moose Party has a detailed action plan, including a 100-page limit on bills, repealing ... more

Photo: -

A continuation of the 1912 political party formed by former U.S.... Photo-4703142.72131 - seattlepi.com

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No Labels

No Labels is a political organization that was formed in 2010 just after the Affordable Care Act was passed. Dismayed by the tactics displayed by both parties, the group claims it is working toward fostering cooperation in order for government to move forward. John Huntsman, a GOP contender in the 2012 presidential election, is one of the group's national leaders.

No Labels is a political organization that was formed in 2010 just after the Affordable Care Act was passed. Dismayed by the tactics displayed by both parties, the group claims it is working toward fostering ... more

No Labels is a political organization that was formed in 2010 just... Photo-2980933.72131 - seattlepi.com